文章大意:这是一篇说明文。主要介绍了安特卫普大学的环境科学家、研究员蒂莫·格罗芬博士表示,用纸和竹子等植物材料制成的吸管,通常被宣传为比塑料制成的吸管更可持续、更环保。然而,这些吸管中PFAS的存在意味着这可能是不可信的。
Does using an eco-friendly paper straw (吸管) give you a good feeling because you’re doing something for the environment? “Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic,” says researcher Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that could be discredited.”
PFAS chemicals, infamous for their longevity and potential harm, can adversely affect humans, wildlife and the environment. They biodegrade (生物降解) very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as “forever chemicals”. They are linked to various health issues, including thyroid disease, liver damage, kidney cancer and so on. Furthermore, these chemicals are used in everyday items, such as outdoor clothing and non-stick pans, to make them water and heat-resistant.
For a more in-depth analysis, the research team purchased 39 different brands of drinking straws made from five materials — paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic, and then conducted two rounds of testing for PFAS. They found that most brands (69%) contained PFAS, with 18 different PFAS detected in total. In paper straws, PFAS was detected in 90% of the brands tested. PFAS was also detected in 80% of brands of bamboo straws, 75% of plastic straw brands and 40% of glass straw brands. They were not detected in any of the five types of steel straws tested.
“The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable,” says Dr. Groffen. “We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw — or just avoid using straws.”
The PFAS concentrations (浓度) were low and, considering that most people only use straws occasionally, pose a limited risk to human health. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time. “Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body,” Dr. Groffen concludes.
8. What does the underlined word “discredited” in paragraph 1 probably mean?
A.Plain. | B.Relevant. |
C.Doubtful. | D.Forceful. |
9. Why are PFAS chemicals known as “forever chemicals”?
A.They are resistant to water and heat. |
B.They take a long time to break down. |
C.They exist widely in daily necessities. |
D.They may cause various common diseases. |
10. What can we know from the test for PFAS?
A.PFAS was found in all five types of straws. |
B.Paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS. |
C.Stainless steel straws are harmless to human health. |
D.Glass straws were the most environmentally friendly straws. |
11. What does the author intend to do in the last paragraph?
A.To stress the potential risks of PFAS. |
B.To show approaches to using straws safely. |
C.To present the advantages of stainless steel straws. |
D.To appeal to consumers to avoid using straws in daily life. |